Reusable Hand Article for Cleaning

ABSTRACT

A reusable hand article for cleaning. The reusable hand article includes a sleeve, having a top layer and a bottom layer, configured to receive a hand therein. The bottom layer is attached to a water-resistant layer, which is attached to an absorbent layer. The absorbent layer absorbs a cleaning solution therein, and the water-resistant layer isolates and protects the hand from the cleaning solution. After placing the hand in the sleeve and applying the cleaning solution to the absorbent layer, the reusable hand article is configured to be applied to any item or surface in need of cleaning. The reusable hand article may be composed of one or more microwave-safe materials, enabling it to be microwaved for sterilization before storage or reuse.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/590,476 filed on Nov. 24, 2017. The above identified patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reusable hand article for use in cleaning.

Many infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, are spread by touching surfaces having these infectious agents thereon. Sanitary wipes are popular for sanitizing surfaces to destroy or remove these infectious agents, but oftentimes these wipes include chemicals that can be harmful to an individual using them. In addition, due to their size and coverage capacity, effectively cleaning surfaces often requires a large number of sanitary wipes, which is costly and can also increase exposure of the individual to the harmful chemicals contained in the wipes. Further, sanitary wipes are not environmentally responsible. Landfills and other waste deposits include large amounts of these wipes, and because most wipes are non-degradable and can only be used once, they are regularly disposed, and accumulate rapidly.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a reusable hand article for cleaning, that protects the individual from exposure to harmful chemicals used for cleaning, and which also is environmentally responsible. The present invention addresses this unmet need.

Articles have been disclosed in the art that relate to hand articles for cleaning. These include articles that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These articles are often single-use only, or do not effectively isolate and protect the individual from exposure to harmful chemicals, or are not environmentally responsible. In view of the articles disclosed in the art, it is submitted that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing hand articles for cleaning. In view of the present disclosure, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in structural and functional elements from articles in the art, and substantially fulfills an unmet need in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of hand articles for cleaning in the art, the present invention provides a new and improved reusable hand article for cleaning, wherein the same can be utilized as a protective and cost-effective cleaning article.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reusable hand article for cleaning.

In one aspect, the invention provides a reusable hand article for cleaning, comprising a sleeve, having a top layer connected to a bottom layer, having an opening on a rearward side thereof configured to receive a hand between the top layer and the bottom layer, and having a closed portion on a forward side thereof configured to secure the hand in the sleeve. A water-resistant layer is attached to an exterior of the bottom layer, and the water-resistant layer is configured to repel a liquid solution. An absorbent layer is attached to an outer surface of the water-resistant layer, and the absorbent layer is configured to absorb the liquid solution therein.

In some embodiments, the reusable hand article includes a flap disposed on an exterior of the hand article, and the flap is configured to removably secure an item, such as a bottle, therein. The bottle may include one or more cleaning solutions therein for storage of the cleaning solution with the reusable hand article, e.g., within the flap, to help an individual organize cleaning supplies. In such embodiments, to use the reusable hand article, a liquid or solution in the bottle is applied to the absorbent layer of the reusable hand article, which absorbs the liquid or solution. Thereafter, the liquid or solution is applied to one or more surfaces as part of a method of cleaning the one or more surfaces. During cleaning the water-resistant layer repels the liquid or solution and prevents the liquid or solution from contacting the hand within the sleeve. In this manner, the hand is not exposed to harmful or toxic chemicals within the liquid or solution during cleaning.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reusable hand article for cleaning that may be readily manufactured from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of the invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manners in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, an absorbent layer, and a sealant layer.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, with a liquid solution being applied to the absorbent layer of the reusable hand article.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, wherein the reusable hand article is being used to clean a contaminated surface.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, an absorbent layer, and a sealant layer, and a thumb insert.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, with a liquid solution being applied to the absorbent layer of the reusable hand article.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the second exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, wherein the reusable hand article is being used to clean a contaminated surface.

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, and an absorbent layer.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of the third exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, with a liquid solution being applied to the absorbent layer of the reusable hand article.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the third exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, wherein the reusable hand article is being used to clean a contaminated surface.

FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, and an absorbent layer.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, with a liquid solution being applied to the absorbent layer of the reusable hand article.

FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the reusable hand article for cleaning, wherein the reusable hand article is being used to clean a contaminated surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the invention. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered limiting in any respect.

Reference is now made to the drawings, which depict one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, there are depicted several views of a first exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, an absorbent layer, and a sealant layer. The reusable hand article 1 includes a sleeve 2, having a top layer 8 connected to a bottom layer 9, having an opening on a rearward side thereof configured to receive a hand therethrough (i.e., between the top layer 8 and the bottom layer 9), and having a closed portion on a forward side thereof configured to secure the hand in the sleeve 2.

The reusable hand article 1 includes a water-resistant layer 3, attached to an exterior of the bottom layer 9, configured to isolate the sleeve 2 from a liquid solution, and an absorbent layer 4, attached to an outer surface of the water-resistant layer 3, configured to absorb the liquid solution therein when the liquid solution is applied thereto. In this manner, the absorbent layer 4 is isolated from the hand when the hand is placed inside the sleeve 2, thereby protecting the hand from exposure to chemicals, such as sanitization agents, in the liquid solution during use while cleaning.

In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes a sealant layer 5, removably attached to an outer surface of the absorbent layer 4, such that the sealant layer 5 is configured to retain moisture within the absorbent layer 4 when the reusable hand article 1 is stored or otherwise not in use. In this manner, a duration of use of the reusable hand article 1 may be maximized, the liquid solution is preserved and is not wasted, and in addition, storage of the reusable hand article 1 does not unintentionally expose a storage environment to the liquid solution absorbed within the absorbent layer 4.

In the shown embodiment, the liquid solution is contained in a liquid solution bottle 7, and may be applied, e.g., sprayed or poured, onto the absorbent layer 4, as depicted in FIG. 2, before use of the reusable hand article 1 in a method of cleaning a surface 10, as depicted in FIG. 3. In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes an elastic band 6, attached to the sleeve 2 and configured to secure the hand in the sleeve 2, thereby preventing or reducing slippage or loss of the reusable hand article 1 during use.

In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes a flap 11 thereon, for storage of an item, such as the liquid solution bottle 7. Generally, the flap 11 may be an optional feature in a particular embodiment of the present invention, but it may be desirable in certain instances to help an individual using the reusable hand article 1 to organize supplies needed for cleaning. In the shown embodiment, the flap 11 is disposed on a side of the sleeve 2, but in alternate embodiments, the flap 11 may be disposed on another portion of the reusable hand article 1, such as the top layer 8. In some embodiments, the flap includes a loop structure, and may retain the liquid solution bottle 7 therein by an elasticity of the loop structure, and/or by frictional engagement with the liquid solution bottle 7, as needed. In this manner, the liquid solution bottle 7 may be kept with the reusable hand article 1 so as to organize cleaning materials and prevent loss or misplacement of one or more items needed for cleaning.

Generally, the water-resistant layer 3 is comprised of a water-resistant or hydrophobic material, or a coating, configured to minimize or prevent penetration of the liquid solution therethrough. Exemplary water-resistant materials that may be used for the water-resistant layer 3 include rubber, latex, and the like. In some embodiments, the absorbent layer 4 is comprised of a liquid-absorbing material, such as a sponge, a cotton, or a cloth, configured to absorb the liquid solution therein for later application to the surface 10 during cleaning. In this manner, the reusable hand article 1 may be constructed using materials that are economical, environmentally friendly, readily available, and suitable for the intended use.

In some embodiments, the absorbent layer 4 is removably attached to the water-resistant layer 3 by an adhesive, thereby enabling the individual to remove or replace the absorbent layer 4 before or after use of the reusable hand article 1. The adhesive may be any adhesive suitable for this purpose, and may be a water-resistant adhesive, such that the adhesive does not loosen or dissolve when exposed to the liquid solution. The adhesive may be applied to an inner surface of the absorbent layer 4, the outer surface of the water-resistant layer 3, or both, such that the adhesive is positioned between the water-resistant layer 3 and the absorbent layer 4. In this manner, the absorbent layer 4 may be removed and disposed of after exhausting its use, and replaced with a new absorbent layer 4 before further use of the reusable hand article 1.

In some embodiments, the reusable hand article 1 is microwave-safe and/or is comprised of one or more microwave-safe materials. In this manner, the individual is able to sanitize the reusable hand article 1, or a component or portion thereof, such as the absorbent layer 4, by microwaving the reusable hand article 1 (or component or portion thereof) between uses. In this manner, the reusable hand article 1 itself does not spread contaminants between surfaces and/or between uses.

In the shown embodiment, the water-resistant layer 3 is oval-shaped and is eclipsed by a perimeter of the sleeve 2. In this manner, the water-resistant layer 3 isolates and protects the sleeve 2 from the liquid solution. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the absorbent layer 4 is oval-shaped and is eclipsed by the perimeter of the sleeve 2. In this manner, the absorbent layer 4 is sized to absorb a controlled volume of the liquid solution, and is configured to be applied to the surface 10 during use in cleaning the surface 10, thereby minimizing waste of the liquid solution. In addition, in the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes an oval-shaped sealant layer 5 removably attached to an outer surface of the absorbent layer 4, such that the oval-shaped sealant layer 5 is eclipsed by the perimeter of the sleeve 2. In this manner, the oval-shaped sealant layer 5 is sized to prevent loss of moisture from the absorbent layer 4 between or after uses.

In particular embodiments, the reusable hand article 1, the flap 11 thereon, and the liquid solution bottle 7 are sized and configured to facilitate travel with the reusable hand article 1 and the liquid solution bottle 7. In this manner, the individual may easily carry the reusable hand article 1 and the liquid solution bottle 7 with them while traveling, e.g., on a cruise ship, a bus, an airplane, a train, or during use of another mode of transportation. In some embodiments, the liquid solution bottle 7 is sized and configured for long-term use in a building or other structure, such as an office or a domicile, as needed.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, there are depicted several views of a second exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, an absorbent layer, a sealant layer, and a thumb insert. In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes all the features of the first exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 1-3), and also includes a thumb insert 12 thereon, for insertion of a thumb of the hand placed in the sleeve 2. Generally, the thumb insert 12 may be an optional feature in a particular embodiment of the present invention, but it may be desirable in certain instances to help the individual to grab or grip an item or a surface when cleaning the item or the surface with the reusable hand article 1. In the shown embodiment, the thumb insert 12 is attached to a left side of the sleeve 2, but in alternate embodiments, the thumb insert 12 may be attached to a right side of the sleeve 2. In this manner, the reusable hand article 1 can be configured for use by a right hand or a left hand of the individual. In some embodiments, the reusable hand article 1 may be mitten-shaped.

In some embodiments, the sleeve 2 is glove-shaped, having the thumb insert 12 in addition to a plurality of digit inserts, thereby enabling the individual to more particularly grasp the item or the surface during use. In particular embodiments, the plurality of digit inserts includes four digit inserts, to accept and retain each of four digits of the hand of the individual therein. In this manner, the plurality of digit inserts may be configured to conform more closely to a shape of the hand.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, there are depicted several views of a third exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, and an absorbent layer. In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes many of the features of the first exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 1-3), but does not include the sealant layer. In some embodiments, such as embodiments in which there is no sealant layer reversibly attachable to the reusable hand article 1, the reusable hand article 1 may be placed inside an air-tight container, such as a plastic bag or box, to preserve moisture in the absorbent layer 4 between or after uses. In this manner, if the reusable hand article 1 is provided without the sealant layer, or if the sealant layer is unable to attach to the absorbent layer 4, the moisture in the absorbent layer 4 may be preserved and a use of the reusable hand article 1 may be prolonged or maximized.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, there are depicted several views of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a reusable hand article for cleaning, having a water-resistant layer, an absorbent layer, and a thumb insert. In the shown embodiment, the reusable hand article 1 includes all of the features of the third exemplary embodiment (see FIGS. 7-9), and further includes the thumb insert 12, as described elsewhere herein.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and its embodiments with modifications as suited to the use contemplated.

It is therefore submitted that the present invention has been shown and described in the most practical and exemplary embodiments. It should be recognized that departures may be made which fall within the scope of the invention. With respect to the description provided herein, it is submitted that the optimal features of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use. All structures, functions, and relationships equivalent or essentially equivalent to those disclosed are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 

I claim: 1) A reusable hand article, comprising: a sleeve, having a top layer connected to a bottom layer, having an opening on a rearward side thereof configured to receive a hand between the top layer and the bottom layer, and having a closed portion on a forward side thereof configured to secure the hand in the sleeve; a water-resistant layer, attached to an exterior of the bottom layer, wherein the water-resistant layer is configured to repel a liquid solution; and an absorbent layer, attached to an outer surface of the water-resistant layer, wherein the absorbent layer is configured to absorb the liquid solution therein. 2) The reusable hand article of claim 1, further comprising a flap disposed on an exterior of the reusable hand article, wherein the flap is configured to removably secure a bottle therein. 3) The reusable hand article of claim 1, further comprising a sealant layer removably attached to an outer surface of the absorbent layer, wherein the sealant layer is configured to retain moisture within the absorbent layer. 4) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer is removably attached to the water-resistant layer by an adhesive. 5) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a thumb insert, wherein the sleeve is mitten-shaped. 6) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the opening of the sleeve includes an elastic band, configured to secure the hand in the sleeve. 7) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the reusable hand article is composed of a microwave-safe material. 8) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the water-resistant layer is oval-shaped and is eclipsed by a perimeter of the sleeve. 9) The reusable hand article of claim 1, wherein the absorbent layer is oval-shaped and is eclipsed by a perimeter of the sleeve. 10) The reusable hand article of claim 1, further comprising an oval-shaped sealant layer removably attached to an outer surface of the absorbent layer, wherein the oval-shaped sealant layer is configured to retain moisture within the absorbent layer and is eclipsed by a perimeter of the sleeve. 